Reproducing head with spin-torque oscillator, and magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus

Abstract

According to one embodiment, a reproducing head includes a spin-torque oscillator and a pair of shield parts. The spin-torque oscillator has a first surface facing a magnetic recording medium. The pair of shield parts each has a second surface facing the magnetic recording medium, the spin-torque oscillator being arranged between the shield parts. A distance between the second surface and the magnetic recording medium is shorter than a distance between the first surface and the magnetic recording medium.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A reproducing head with a spin-torque oscillator, the head comprising:
 the spin-torque oscillator having a first surface facing a magnetic recording medium, the spin-torque oscillator used to detect a magnetic field from the magnetic recording medium; and 
 a pair of shield parts each having a second surface facing the magnetic recording medium, the spin-torque oscillator being arranged between the shield parts, 
 wherein a distance between the second surface and the magnetic recording medium is shorter than a distance between the first surface and the magnetic recording medium. 
 
     
     
       2. The head according to  claim 1 , further comprising an insulating layer formed in a portion enclosed by the pair of shield parts, the insulating layer having a third surface facing the magnetic recording medium,
 wherein the third surface is flush with the second surface. 
 
     
     
       3. The head according to  claim 1 , wherein the spin-torque oscillator comprises a multilayered structure including an oscillation layer having rotatable magnetization. 
     
     
       4. The head according to  claim 3 , wherein the oscillation layer is arranged in a center between the pair of shield parts. 
     
     
       5. The head according to  claim 3 , further comprising a bias magnetic field source configured to apply a bias magnetic field to the oscillation layer. 
     
     
       6. The head according to  claim 5 , wherein the oscillation layer has a first axis defined in a longitudinal direction of a film surface of the oscillation layer, and a second axis defined in a lateral direction of the film surface, and is formed such that the second axis is parallel to a direction in which a medium magnetic field generated from the magnetic recording medium acts on the oscillation layer. 
     
     
       7. A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus comprising the reproducing head with the spin-torque oscillator according to  claim 1 , and the magnetic recording medium.